Foreign-Affairs
Harnessing assistive technology for Persons with Disabilities in South Asia
Facebook and GSMA have hosted a virtual industry discussion marking the tenth anniversary of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and to drive more collaborations on disabilities inclusion in South Asia.
The panelists included Vashkar Bhattacharjee, National Consultant for Accessibility, a2i, Aspire to Innovate programme of the ICT Division in Bangladesh.
There were also representatives from Facebook, G3ict, Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka, and DeafTawk in Pakistan.
Read: Realise rights of all persons with disabilities: UN
Assistive technologies (ATs) are systems and services designed to improve access for persons with disabilities, many of whom are often excluded and marginalised in society, said a media release on Friday.
There are an estimated 690 million persons with disabilities in the Asia Pacific region and ATs are still largely inaccessible to them.
Action is required to reach this underserved segment of the population, drive innovation, and address the physical and social barriers.
Speaking at the event, Michael Nique, Senior Director, GSMA Assistive Tech, said, “Removing the barriers faced by persons with disabilities requires informed action from all stakeholders.
Tech and mobile industry, for example, need to consider accessibility needs and methods early on, and increase the number of persons with disabilities in the development and testing process. By doing so, we can make meaningful change and help ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.”
Panelists at the webinar agreed that digital innovations could bridge the access gap to ATs and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
For example, based on the GSMA Intelligence Survey 2019, 41 percent of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh are mobile owners, of which 55 percent consider that mobile helps them with their daily tasks, 67 percent say it provides them a feeling of safety and 53 percent think it gives convenient access to useful information.
Read: Palak unveils software to bridge jobseekers with disabilities and employers
Monica Desai, Global Head of Connectivity and Access Policy, Facebook, shared some of the company’s recent initiatives and innovations in this area, including the GAAD pledge that Facebook took last year and the commitment to making the React Native open source framework fully accessible.
“We, at Facebook, believe that access is an opportunity and when everyone is connected, we all benefit. Our goal is to make it possible for anyone, regardless of ability, to access the information and connections that happen on Facebook. We are excited to continue advancing accessibility and building collaborations to make more progress on inclusion for persons with disabilities in South Asia, and around the world,” said Desai.
Panelists also discussed how the current global health crisis presented immense challenges acutely felt by persons with disabilities, but it also brought advancements in accessibility.
Dhaka seeks strong global resolve to end Palestinian crisis permanently
Permanent Representative (PR) of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has urged the international community to take urgent and decisive action to resolve the longstanding crisis in Palestine.
She was speaking at the joint debate on the situation in the Middle East and the question of Palestine on Thursday convened by the President of the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Fatima informed the General Assembly that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a letter to Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas, denounced the abhorrent acts of violence against innocent civilians of Palestine, including women and children.
Also read: Hasina a household name in Palestine: Envoy
Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment towards realising the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine for an independent homeland, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a strong call to the General Assembly, Bangladesh Ambassador asked for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression and deplored repetition of such senseless cycles of violence and atrocities by the occupying Israeli forces.
Ambassador Fatima highlighted some priorities towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis and peace in the region, which included, the genuine efforts of the international community to address the root causes of the crisis and the fulfillment of the charter responsibilities by the Security Council and the General Assembly to turn around the culture of inaction and enforce compliance of all international human rights and humanitarian laws, and relevant UN resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016).
She also called for engaging with all relevant actors to ensure early implementation of the Roadmap, Arab Peace Initiative and the efforts of the Quartet.
Also read: Gaza attack: Dhaka seeks US’ proactive role to stop bloodshed
Stressing that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people must be met urgently, Ambassador Fatima suggested to further strengthen the capacity of UNRWA.
Underscoring the importance of ensuring the accountability of the occupying Israeli forces, she said that it could be a first step towards guaranteeing justice and lasting peace in the Middle East.
More than 100 UN Member States participated in the day-long Joint Debate which was also addressed by the UN Secretary General and President of the General Assembly.
All speakers called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and an urgent resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
S Korean envoy shares historical documents with FM Momen
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Thursday handed over a frame containing copies of historical documents to Bangladesh that demonstrates Korea’s official recognition of the newly-independent Bangladesh on May 12, 1972.Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen received the documents from the Ambassador during their meeting at State guesthouse Padma.Ambassador Lee expressed his sincere gratitude for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to send a video message for the upcoming 2021 P4G Seoul Summit on May 30-31.P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) is a global platform aimed at delivering inclusive and transformative solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
Dhaka seeks joint efforts to implement IORA's new Action Plan
Bangladesh has sought cooperation from Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states for implementing the new Action Plan through concerted efforts as Bangladesh is set to become Chair of the IORA in the last quarter of this year.
Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd.) Md. Khurshed Alam made the request on Thursday while attending a workshop. Bangladesh, current Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), hosted the workshop virtually to discuss the second IORA Action Plan.
Also read: IORA starts addressing regional, global issues: Dhaka
Around 50 senior officials from the 22 member states of IORA participated in the daylong workshop. Khurshed Alam led the Bangladesh delegation.
Secretary Alam highlighted the evolution of IORA into a forum that has started to address regional and global issues of both human security and human development across several continents.
He stressed that the Second IORA Action Plan should be result-oriented, action-oriented, inclusive, comprehensive, and aligned to the objectives of the IORA.
Alam hoped that the workshop would be able to lead us to a well-structured, farsighted and pragmatic Action Plan that will minutely address all the opportunities and challenges of this region.
Also read: PM to inaugurate 3rd IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference Thursday
Bangladesh played a pivotal role in discussions during the workshop and conveyed thought-provoking suggestions and fruitful inputs for the Second IORA Action Plan including the format and structure of the new Action Plan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions on the IORA Strategic Vision were held, and member states were also requested to agree on the proposed format and structure of the new IORA Action Plan.
More countries approached for vaccines; talks with China at final stage: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said the government is making its best efforts to get vaccines connecting multiple countries -- the United States, China, Canada, Russia and the UK -- apart from its continuous request to India to meet Bangladesh's urgent needs.
He said the discussion with China is almost at the final stage while they are expecting a positive reply from the US on the vaccine front.
While talking to reporters at State guesthouse Padma, Dr Momen said there are people who could not take a second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine due to short supply from India.
Before the briefing, the Foreign Minister had a meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun at State guesthouse Padma.
He also highlighted the ongoing discussion with Russia. "Hope, everything will be settled within a week."
Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said they came to know unofficially that Bangladesh is not there on the priority list of the USA as there is a lesser number of deaths in Bangladesh.
It's very regrettable; nothing to hide: FM about Rozina issue
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said it is very regrettable what happened to journalist Rozina Islam and there is nothing to hide by the government.
He said they will have to face the international community for the behaviour of a few people.
"It's very regrettable. The government of Sheikh Hasina is a media-friendly one. We’ve nothing to hide. I know, as Foreign Ministry, we’ve to face it. Many will raise questions. We don't want such incidents," Dr Momen said, adding that "you (questioner) may be right" that few people bring bad fame for the government.
The Foreign Minister made the remarks when his comment was sought on the issue of Rozina Islam after his meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun at State guesthouse Padma.
Read:Drop all "oppressive charges" against Rozina: HRW
Dr Momen appreciated the role of the media in unearthing many stories, including the pillow saga and Shahed Karim issues.
"The government has taken action (after those stories were published). You (media) help the government. You’re part of the government. You’re helping us (govt) much. We thank you," he said.
Dr Momen referred to what ruling Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said on Wednesday and appreciated his remarks.
Hanif said the incident that took place at the Secretariat with journalist Rozina Islam was undesirable and that the country would have benefited if strict action had been taken against the corrupt instead of filing cases against journalists.
Drop all "oppressive charges" against Rozina: HRW
Human Rights Watch on Thursday said Bangladesh authorities should drop all the "oppressive charges" against renowned journalist Rozina Islam.
Rozina's colleagues believe she was detained over her reporting on corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector, including the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, said the HRW.
She is accused under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act and sections 379 and 411 of the Penal Code, for allegedly attempting to “collect sensitive government documents and taking photos of them” at the Health Ministry.
Read:Dhaka court to hear Rozina’s bail plea Thursday
Journalists across Bangladesh are protesting to seek her release, HRW said.
“Bangladesh authorities should produce evidence of wrongdoing or immediately release Rozina Islam and stop arresting journalists for doing their job, which is also to highlight governance flaws,” said Brad Adams, HRW Asia director.
“Instead of locking up critics, encouraging a free press should be central to the government’s strategy to strengthen health services in combatting the pandemic.”
Quoting media reports, the HRW said Rozina went to the Health Ministry on May 17 for a meeting with the health services secretary.
She was confined to a room there for nearly six hours, during which she fell ill and fainted, then was taken to the police.
According to the complaint filed by the Health Ministry, she had taken government documents related to the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines. She denies these allegations.
Read: Amnesty: Rozina must not be punished for doing her job
The HRW said in a video recording by another journalist after her hearing on May 18, Rozina said, “because of my reporting on the Health Ministry, I'm being wronged.”
On May 18, a magistrate court turned down the police department’s request for 5-day remand and instead sent her to jail until her bail hearing scheduled for today.
“The arrest of Rozina Islam sends a terrifying message to journalists uncovering corruption in Bangladesh,” Adams said. “By speaking out for Rozina Islam, concerned government will be standing with Bangladeshi journalists across the country.”
Bangladesh elected to chair IOC Regional Committee for IOCINDIO
Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md. Khurshed Alam has been elected Chairperson of the IOC Regional Committee for the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO) for the term May 2021-May 2023.
He was elected during the final day of the virtual meeting of the Eighth Session of the IOC Regional Committee for the Central Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO-VIII), held on 17-19 May.
This comes as a true recognition of the trust and confidence of the International Community in the outstanding career and eminent qualifications of Admiral Alam to preside over the Regional Committee.
Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais from United Arab Emirates and Maryam Ghaemi from Islamic Republic of Iran were also elected as the Vice-Chairpersons during the session.
Rohingya Crisis: Korea provides $4 mn to support 2021 JRP
South Korea has decided to provide $4 million this year to international agencies having presence in Bangladesh with a view to support the Rohingya refugees and their host communities.
The contribution will be used for the humanitarian activities of UN agencies and other international organizations to support the Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh under the recently announced 2021 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis.
This year’s $4 million contribution has been allocated to the UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, IOM and IFRC.
An amount of $1 million had already been disbursed to IOM to assist the emergency response to the massive fire in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in March, said the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Supporting the host community, addressing gender-based violence, supporting children and girls, and responding to emergencies and disaster relief are among the priority areas for Korea in its support for the Rohingya refugees and the host community.
In addition to the financial contributions, the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, has also implemented a number of humanitarian projects to support the Rohingya refugees and host communities in partnership with other international organizations and international NGOs.
Read: JRP 2021: Dhaka seeks permanent solution to Rohingya crisis
In cooperation with UNFPA, KOICA is implementing a project to support the menstrual health of women and girls in Cox’s Bazar which is worth $3 million for the period of 2021-24.
KOICA is also working with NGOs such as Adi, World Vision, and Concern Worldwide in Cox’s Bazar on various projects supporting the refugees and the host community.
As a trusted partner of Bangladesh, the Korean Government has been closely working with the international community to resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis since the outbreak in 2017.
Korea has provided the international community with around $20 million between 2017 and 2021 for Rohingya refugee-related activities in Bangladesh.
This humanitarian assistance will help protect the displaced persons and host communities.
The Republic of Korea said they will continue to work closely with the international community as well as the Bangladeshi Government to address the humanitarian crisis and search for durable solutions focused on the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya refugees to their homes in Myanmar.
Campaign on right to food, health launched
A campaign aimed at ensuring the right to food, food safety and health began with the pledges made by youths to achieve the objectives through personal action and advocacy.
Over 100 youths from 18 countries, including Bangladesh, USA, Canada, Ireland, Brazil, Switzerland and China, took oaths at the campaign titled "Act4Food Act4Change" held virtually on Tuesday night.
"Act4Food Act4Change" is a global youth-led movement promising to achieve sustainable global food systems that provide all people with access to healthy and sustainable diets.
Switzerland-based organization ‘Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)’ and UK-based non-government organization ‘The Food Foundation’ jointly facilitated the virtual programme from their respective locations.
Read: UAE provides 50 mts humanitarian food aid to Bangladesh
UK and Ireland governments are associate partners, said a media release on Wednesday.
The campaign will also be carried out in social media platforms such as Facebook, youtube, twitter and instagram.
The campaign, being held ahead of United Nation Food System Summit, will continue till September this year. The event is likely to be extended later.
The supply of nutritious and safe foods for people has become a challenging task recently due to Covid-19 situation, said the organizers.
Hence, they said, it is imperative to ensure the availability of those foods with the combined efforts of all concerned along with raising awareness of people.
Dipty Chowdhury, a youth leader of UN Food System Summit Action Track-1 and representative of Bhalo Khabo Bhaloa Thakbo campaign of GAIN Bangladesh; Rayan Kassem, Regional Director Youth4Nature, Lebanon; Priya Prakash, Founder HealthSetGo, India; Sophie Healy; Food system and nutrition advocate & Lead Group member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN), Ireland; among others, spoke at the event.
Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, has given video message for the campaign.
Femi Oke, internationally renowned journalist, moderated the event.
In her address, Dipty Chowdhury, youth leader of Bangladesh said, “I want to see nutritious food as a basic right and get rid of all the cheap junk food that is now readily available to us”.
Read:Antimicrobial resistance can even threaten food security: PM Hasina
In a statement, Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh, said, “Youths especially the girls and young women can shape the food systems for affordable nutritious and safe food for all. During Covid, its importance has become even more crucial and critical”.
Both of them said, Bangladesh can take the lead in line with global pledge by engaging members of Nutrition Clubs across the country and raise awareness on healthy diets among students.
The success of “Bhalo Khabo Bhalo Thakbo” campaign, supported by GAIN Bangladesh, more than 1 million adolescents have so far pledged to consume better food. It has worked as an inspiration to this global youth movement and initiative.
“Bhalo Khabo Bhalo Thakbo” is an ongoing campaign in Bangladesh where any adolescent can take part in it.